Healthy advice

Health officials suggest getting flu shots now

An announcement this week by the Centers for Disease Control regarding the emerging flu season is news that we encourage you not to take lightly.

Instead, it is being strongly suggested that you get a flu shot now to increase your chances of escaping the illness.

Flu shots can be obtained by your private physician and through several retail outlets. But the Leon County Health Department also is offering a series of dates. The cost is $22, but if you are a member of Capital Health Plan, the shots are free. They're also free if you are under 18 and without health insurance, or if your insurance doesn't cover immunizations. Medicaid also is accepted.

The shots will be available for walk-ins at the Roberts & Stevens Clinic, 1515 Old Bainbridge Road on the following dates:

? Thursday, Dec 6: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

? Dec. 12: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

? Dec. 13: 7:30 a.m. to noon.

In its report, the CDC warned that the influenza activity has increased across the country, ahead of the traditional late January to February period. For local residents, it also is important to note that significant increases in reports have been made in southeast states such as Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Homer Rice, administrator for the Leon County Health Department, says reports in Florida also are a little higher, but in Leon County, reports are running about an average from the past couple of years. But to put this in context, he says that the flu is not a "reportable disease," meaning that doctors don't have to report specific trends to the department, but that doesn't mean local residents are not at risk.

Leon County currently is reporting about 30 cases a week, with about 2 percent of the hospital visits showing influenza-like symptoms. Mr. Rice noted that most emergency room visits are for younger people and that most recent reports indicate that the percentage of emergency room visits locally showed 7 percent of those patients 18 and under were due to influenza-like symptoms.

He says that persons 55 and older and children 6 months to 18 most certainly are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot.

It's important for this community to note that the period between 2009-2011 was a particularly bad year in Florida , and in Leon County, where 104 flu-related deaths were reported. During that period, 5 percent of emergency room visits were flu-related, which is significant when you consider the number of emergency-room visits.

And, while many are tempted to dismiss symptoms and risk spreading the virus, it's more important to stay at home, get rest, drink fluids and see your doctor. Other signs that you should be aware of include: persistent fever, body aches and productive coughs.

Taking action now can help protect you before the symptoms start developing.

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Healthy advice

An announcement this week by the Centers for Disease Control regarding the emerging flu season is news that we encourage you not to take lightly.Instead, it is being strongly suggested that you get a